FF Welcomes Resolution Of 201 Lamb Tariff Case

Federated Farmers' Meat & Fibre
Chairman Murray Taggart has welcomed the notification by the
United States Government that it will remove its import
tariffs on New Zealand and Australian lamb on 15 November
2001.

"This is good news. Obviously we are disappointed
that the tariff is not going to be lifted sooner, but on the
whole it is good news for New Zealand farmers and meat
exporters. It signals an end to this incident and hopefully
a positive approach to the negotiations to be held in Doha
in the near future," said Mr Taggart.

In May 2001 the
World Trade Organisation (WTO) Appellate Body upheld the
decision made by the WTO expert panel that found that the
United States had breached international trade rules by
imposing tariff quotas on New Zealand and Australian
lamb.

"I must also congratulate the Minister of
Agriculture and Trade, Jim Sutton, and officials from the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the effort they
have put into this issue."

"As we have said before, this
case highlights the importance of the WTO and the framework
it provides for international trade."

"The US market holds
enormous potential for both the American and New Zealand
sheep industries. Americans consume an average of just 450
gms of lamb per year. I am confident that there is room for
growth and development in this market for both New Zealand
and American lamb," concluded Mr Taggart.

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